The Possible Causes Of Velcro Dog Syndrome

Does your dog follow you around everywhere you go? Does he want to be by your side always or in a strategic place where he can see you clearly? If so, then he’s suffering from Velcro dog syndrome. There are many people out there who own Velcro dogs, so you’re not alone in this.

Velcro dogs (also known as clingy dogs) are dogs that desire to stay close their owners at all times. They’re like your personal shadow or personal stalker. The following dog breeds are likely to develop Velcro dog syndrome:

Lap Dogs – These dogs are selectively bred to be dependent on humans, which makes them likely to be more clingy.

Working Dogs – Dog breeds are bred to work, hound or herd beside their owners. They’re also likely to develop Velcro dog syndrome because they rely a lot on their owners’ directions and body language for guidance.

Causes Of Velcro Dog Syndrome

If you have a Velcro dog, you’ve probably wondered what makes him so needy and clingy. Here are some possible causes of this syndrome:

Age

Many dogs tend to stick close to their owners as they continue to age. This is especially true when their vision or hearing abilities start to change. Such changes will definitely make your dog scared and stressed, so he’ll stick as close to you as possible to feel loved and comforted.

You Can Encourage Velcro Dog Syndrome Without Realizing It

Yes, you read that right. Most dog owners encourage their dogs’ behaviors (both bad and good) without even noticing. If every time you see your dog, you pat him on the head, praise him and give him some yummy treats, he’s likely to want to stay close to you. That’s because he knows he’ll get some good stuff when he does so. Also, when you usually let him sleep on your bed, he’s likely to be dependent and clingy. While there’s nothing wrong with pampering your pet the best way you know how, it’s important to know that it might encourage him to be a Velcro dog.

Underlying Medical Problem

If your dog suddenly starts exhibiting clingy behaviors, it could be due to an underlying medical problem. Sickness can make him confused and scared, and therefore he’ll stick close to you to help him cope with the situation. In such cases, it’s advisable to take him to the vet as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Boredom

Lack of physical and mental stimulation can make your dog bored, which can lead to Velcro dog syndrome. As we’ve mentioned before, we are our dogs’ main source of entertainment. That means that if we don’t give them some things to do to keep them entertained and busy, they’ll definitely get bored.

If every time you get up, your dog follows you excitedly wherever you go, it could be a sign that he’s bored. Give him something to do to stimulate him physically and mentally. If you have the time, you can take him for a walk. Alternatively, you can give him interactive toys to play with, or play with him different indoor games like hide and seek, tug of war, chasing bubbles etc.

Moving

Finally, moving into a new neighborhood can be very stressful to your dog, just like it is to you. If you’ve noticed that your dog is extra clingy since you moved into your new house, make your daily routine predictable and stick to it to help him relax and settle in.

Overall, if you have a Velcro dog, you might find his behavior either flattering or annoying. If you’re okay with him following you around everywhere, then that’s great. But if it bothers you sometimes, you may want to consider adding more exercises (both physical and mental) to his daily routine to keep him busy and make him more independent.